Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY293565 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2007 Inspection date Julie Firth Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and daughter aged three years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor which includes the large lounge, kitchen and two rear bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under eight years and there are currently six children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from Trafford Sure Start.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, well maintained home. High standards of cleanliness, good hygiene routines and clear procedures if children are unwell, minimise the risk of infection and promote children's good health. Minor accidents are handled effectively as the childminder uses her knowledge of first aid and ensures a well stocked first aid kit is easily accessible at all times. Children's clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after messy play and using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder constantly talks about why they should wash hands. Stringent nappy routines are carried out as part of the daily routine which further safeguards children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to develop control of their bodies, for example, young children who can sit up unaided are encouraged to reach out for toys developing coordination and are encouraged to learn to walk. A good selection of indoor play equipment in the childminder's home enhances children's physical development activities as they dance to taped music. They also benefit from regular visits to the park and local groups to improve their physical skills using a variety of large equipment. The childminder also walks to school daily in the fresh air. Children are becoming aware of their own needs, such as time for a rest or drink and she follows a routine which is consistent with home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. The childminder ensures children have healthy options and provides them with hot homemade food. A large variety of fruit is available daily and she speaks to the children about different fruits. She works with parents and respects their wishes when planning children's meals. Children are able to access regular drinks for themselves, whilst younger children are encouraged through gentle reminders by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, stimulating environment. The rooms and outdoor play area are well organised ensuring a balanced range of activities for children. Children's art work and the components of the 'Birth to three matters' framework are displayed around the lounge walls. Children have space to play in a homely environment where risks are minimised to ensure their safety. They are fully supported by the childminder who shows good understanding of the need for children to have the opportunity to explore and learn from new challenges safely. High quality equipment and play resources provided by the childminder are regularly checked to ensure they are clean, well maintained and continue to be safe for children to use. Good use of soft furnishings, such as comfortable settees in the living room allows the younger children to rest and enjoy quiet times for themselves. They develop independence as they choose from

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment, which is easily accessed on low tables or at floor level around the room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is actively promoted as the childminder gives priority to maintaining vigilance and a safe environment for children both at home and on outings. Outings are assessed prior to children attending and they are encouraged to wear safety wrists bands on trips. Older children have a clear understanding of why boundaries are in place. Simple house rules help children understand why it is important not to run in the house and learn to respect equipment

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and each other. They are aware to keep all small pieces out of babies reach when they come from School. Regular fire drills are practised, so that children are familiar with the procedure in the event of an emergency to maintain their safety within the home. Furthermore, children speak to visitors of the importance of fire evacuation procedures and learn about road safety when walking home from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children. She is fully aware of her responsibilities to safeguard children's welfare in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board and has attended recent training. Written policies are clear and effectively shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have good relationships with the childminder, they are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in the childminder's home. Young children gain in personal confidence through the high levels of attention they receive and the support given throughout the day. Children are very keen to speak of the high level of care and fun they experience when at the childminder's house. They relate very well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local groups. Children have their individual needs met as the childminder establishes daily routines around these, for example, when a child is tired, a rest is offered appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder confidently follows the 'Birth to three matters' framework to provide the children with high quality care and education. She has an excellent awareness of the curriculum and activities are planned and evaluated. Children have their own files and observations are completed regularly and are effectively used to plan for their next steps of learning. Children experience highly stimulating activities that are very suitable for their age and interest levels. They are engrossed when watching how a frog grows. They really enjoy singing time and animatedly join in with the familiar songs and rhymes. This is further enhanced when children play with musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

High priority is put upon imaginative play as children learn to play co-operatively with one another in the home corner and access a wealth of dressing up clothes. Trips are planned during the school holidays to places of interest, such as Chester Zoo and they have fun looking at the monkeys. This enables children to have a very good experience of their environment. Children have the opportunity to play with soft dough and thread beads to enhance their manipulative skills. They work with a wealth of different textures and collage materials and are engaged in free painting. They pick leaves and twigs when out on nature walks and create a picture on their return. Babies enjoy feeling objects in treasure baskets and sensory and sound action toys are readily available for exploratory play. Young children have regular access to mark making and messy play in flour and water.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder frequently reads to the children and asks them questions about the book. She regularly counts with the children and promotes sounds of letters which develops their language and communication skills. She ensures individual time is given to each child to ensure that they thrive in a one to one activity and plans her structured day around this. Young children are encouraged to sit and concentrate when playing on the mat or in circle time with others. They become independent as young babies are encouraged to feed themselves and older children learn to use scissors. The childminder is very sensitive towards children’s needs and recognises

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the ability of each child. She is aware that some children have been in her care for a short time and works extremely hard to get to know them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young children show an interest in the routine activities of the day. The childminder talks to them about what she is doing as she prepares snacks and activities. She sets herself as a positive role model and treats all children with individual care and respect. A good settling in policy enables children to become familiar with their surroundings. There are a good variety of resources and displayed posters which reflect equality of opportunity. Children are learning to respect different cultures through planned activities', such as using chop sticks at Chinese New year. Children also access equipment from the local toy library to enhance their knowledge of diversity. The childminder ensures all children are welcomed and included according to their age and stage of development and offers an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children do show care and concern for each other and they are encouraged to share and take turns. Children interact well with the childminder's own family and display good behaviour with the childminder adopting consistent procedures . Older children contribute to making their own ground rules. Their self-esteem and confidence is fostered, as the childminder praises children's efforts and achievements constantly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive, close relationship that has developed between the childminder and parents. The childminder seeks a wealth of information from them to ensure that she is in a position to offer the best possible care. Effective systems, daily discussions and detailed policies are in place to keep parents informed about the provision and their children's care. This provides consistency of care for children. Written remarks from parents indicate a high level of care is provided and parents are very pleased with the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to improving the quality of care she provides to children and has a wealth of experience as a nursery nurse. She has undertaken a variety of courses and certificates in childcare which reflects in her daily practice, such as 'Birth to three matters' framework, first aid and safe guarding children.

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Organisation

Children are encouraged to explore opportunities available in clearly defined and well organised areas in the childminder's home. She spends time with all her children to help them feel safe and secure and support them in their play. Activities offer children good levels of stimulation and short term planning is in place, a detailed portfolio enables her to successfully plan around the outcomes for children. She is in the process of creating individual learning programmes and long term themes for new children attending. She works closely with parents and Trafford Sure Start to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

A comprehensive range of written policies and procedures are in place which contributes to the safety and well-being of children cared for. A register is kept of children's arrivals and departures and children's records are in place. However, there is an omission as not all parent's are not signing consent for emergency medical treatment.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Improvements since the last inspection

On the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure safety of all gas appliances. Also to continue to develop toys to reflect diversity and natural resources. The gas safety checks are all up to date enabling children to play in a safe environment. Children have access to a good range of resources that promote diversity and natural materials to enhance their sensory development.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure all parents attending the setting sign consent for emergency medical treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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